H-E-B has targeted a growing northeast Austin suburb for its next store, setting the stage for surrounding retail development.
The San Antonio-based grocery chain recently purchased 20 acres within the 63-acre Manor Crossing retail center, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and FM 973, in Manor, the Austin Business Journal reported.
An H-E-B store in Manor has been percolating since 2022, when the company entered into a development and incentive agreement with Butler Family Partnership, the firm behind Manor Crossing. It was previously reported that the company was planning to build a 110,000-square-foot grocery store, although the company has not confirmed its exact plan.
Alongside the grocery store, the development is set to include 600 multifamily units and 425,000 square feet of commercial space, suggesting a large retail hub in an area that’s in dire need of one.
An H-E-B in Manor could be transformative for the city, offering residents access to a major grocery retailer closer to home. The nearest H-E-B stores are a 20-minute drive away in Pflugerville and Elgin, highlighting the demand for a more convenient shopping option.
Plus, with the arrival of H-E-B typically comes a real estate boom. The company, known for anchoring massive shopping centers, often acquires land in areas poised for explosive growth, subsequently attracting a swarm of investors in both commercial and residential sectors.
With a population of approximately 19,000 residents and a retail trade area encompassing over 95,000 people, Manor represents a significant market for retail expansion. Moreover, projections suggest continued population growth, further underscoring the potential for retail development in the area.
The Manor Crossing site has already attracted a diverse range of tenants, including well-known brands like T.J. Maxx, Burlington and Planet Fitness. Construction is slated to begin in the coming quarters, with store openings anticipated in 2025, the outlet reported.
—Quinn Donoghue